Medium Sized Dogs: The Goldilocks of Dog Sizes

Best Medium-Size Dog Breeds for Families

Here are just a handful of popular medium dog breeds you might want to consider:

• Cocker spaniel: The AKC's smallest sporting spaniel, these kid-friendly, sturdy dogs stand about 35cm. Their thick coats require frequent brushing, but when properly groomed they are undeniably pretty pups. Cockers are energetic and friendly and make fantastic playmates for children.
• English springer spaniel: Slightly larger than the cocker spaniel at about 48cm tall, this is another beautiful breed with a coat that requires regular maintenance. What springers cost in groomer's fees, they more than make up for in personality. These eager-to-please pups love company, so they're not a good choice for a home where the humans will be gone all day.
• Dachshund: While the diminutive miniature dachshund might be the first thing you think of with this breed, the 14.5kg standard variety is large enough to fit the small end of the medium scale. Dachshunds are smart, brash and have a stubborn streak that is often as endearing as it is frustrating.
• Basset hound: These floppy-eared scent hounds have the strength and stamina of a large dog packed into a sturdy little body. Bassets are tenacious when tracking prey, but the rest of the time they are laid back, gentle dogs with agreeable temperaments and fierce loyalty toward their humans.
• Standard schnauzer: Schnauzers come in small, medium and large varieties, with the standard schnauzer falling in the middle at around 18kg. These are upbeat dogs who love their humans with a fierce and protective loyalty. They need a lot of activity to burn off excess energy and keep from getting bored. Some schnauzers will also bond strongly with only one person, so these might not be the best dogs to introduce to new partners or children.
• Corgi: Corgis on their squat little legs come in two varieties: the endearingly tailless Pembroke Welsh corgis, and the slightly larger Cardigan Welsh corgis with long, bushy tails. Both varieties are bright, athletic, easy to train and loyal.
• Border collie: These medium-sized herding dogs are among the most highly intelligent dog breeds. Athletic and easy to train, border collies are happiest when they have a job to do. If not given an outlet for their energy and instincts, such as agility or obedience training, they might resort to trying to herd people and other pets.
• Beagle: Reaching up to 38cm at the shoulder, the sweet-faced beagle's personality is chipper and loyal. They tend to be happy-go-lucky, friendly and loving, and are a great choice for families with children who can provide plenty of playtime.

This is just a small sampling of dogs available in the medium range. All of the medium-sized dog breeds are too numerous to list here, and if you add in mixed breeds, the options are nearly endless. Your local shelter might have a just-right pup waiting for you to find them. To learn more about medium dog breeds, check out the Hill's dog breed primer. With so much variety, you're sure to find the right size companion for your home.